ESA is pushing the boundaries in all areas of science. This report covers ESA´s scientific activities over the two years since the last COSPAR assembly in 2014. It addresses the contributions of ESA´s Science and Robotic Exploration, Earth Observation and Human Spaceflight missions to international space science, giving updates on mission statuses and examples of science results.

Earth Observation plays a pivotal role in understanding the Earth system and supporting the management of the environment for the benefit of society and the daily lives of individuals. The Human Spaceflight and Operations Directorate covers the most diverse areas of enquiry, from fundamental to applied research across all areas of the physical and life sciences. The Science and Robotic Exploration Directorate covers astronomy, Solar System science, aspects of fundamental physics and the robotic exploration of Mars.